Dominant Rams tame brave Lions

Andrew Hunt

Dewsbury Rams produced a dominant second half display to record a 48-6 victory over Swinton Lions and boost their Kingstone Press Championship play-off hopes last Friday.

The Rams ran in five unanswered converted tries in the second half to sweep aside the lowly Lions, who had produced a brave display before the break.

Anthony Thackeray was once again Dewsbury’s star man as he scored two tries, taking his tally for the season to 19, and had a hand in several others.

Shane Grady produced another powerful display, Ryan Wright was lively in two spells at hooker, while Austin Buchanan celebrated his 150th career appearance with his fourth try in the last seven games.

Dewsbury made the perfect start when a penalty on the first set took them close and Grady crashed over for the opening score inside two minutes. Tom Hemingway converted.

The Lions hit back and looked the better side for long spells.

Former Shaw Cross amateur Zach Johnson showed his strength to barge over and veteran centre Mick Nanyn levelled with the conversion.

Stand-off Chris Ackers knocked on when driving for the line before Jordan Burke looked to have sent Richard Hawkyard over for a try but the full-back was pulled back for a forward pass.

Dewsbury weathered the storm and took control in the latter stages of the half.

Thackeray broke from a scrum, raced through a gap and over for a try which Kieran Hyde improved.

The Rams attacked again and having moved quickly right, Karl Pryce shrugged off a tackle and stormed over to score, with Hyde’s conversion sending them into half-time 18-6 ahead.

Swinton’s hopes of a comeback were ended just two minutes into the second half when Wright broke from acting half-back and dived over next to the posts, giving Hyde a simple conversion.

Tommy Gallagher produced a surging drive at the heart of the Swinton defence to set up great field position, with Thackeray racing over wide on the right. Hyde landed a terrific goal and Dewsbury led 30-6.

Thackeray was involved again soon after as he switched play left and Dale Morton cut inside off his wing and jinked his way over for the Rams sixth try, again goaled by Hyde.

Dewsbury were now rampant and a long looping pass sent Buchanan racing over for a try to cap his 150 game milestone. Hemingway landed a towering touchline goal.

Dewsbury attacked once more and a lovely one-handed pass from debutant loan signing Ben Hellewell sent Kyle Briggs over in the corner. Hemingway landed another superb touchline goal as the Rams completed a satisfying victory.